Fall Conference hosted by the York Region Nature Collaborative
Friday October 18th
@ Black Creek Pioneer Village, 5:30-8pm:
Opening Ceremony
Dinner and Keynote
Saturday October 19th
@ Kortright Centre for Conservation, 9:30pm – 3:30pm:
A full day of immersive engagements and enriching workshops focused on nurturing our connections with the pedagogy of nature, empowering educators to cultivate meaningful experiences to bring back and share with children.
Price: $250 + HST
– Friday only: $120 + HST
– Saturday only: $175 + HST
Keynote (Friday): Being in Relationship with the Outdoors
How are you in relationship with the outdoors? What are some of the responsibilities of this relationship and how do you respond to them? In this talk, we will explore some key considerations of being in relationship with the outdoors and reflect on how the way that we view these relationships can have a significant impact, both personally and professionally. We will acknowledge the importance of reciprocity within relationships and strengthen our awareness of some of the responsibilities and privileges that exist. The outdoors has significant benefits for us, but how can we also benefit the outdoors?
Kimberley Squires is a Registered Early Childhood Educator, Ontario Certified Teacher, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph. Prior to joining as faculty, she was the Pedagogical Leader at the University of Guelph Child Care and Learning Centre and had previously worked in both child care and school-based early childhood education and care settings. Her research focuses on a variety of aspects of early childhood education and care with a specific interest in outdoor and nature play and pre-service and in-service educator learning.
Workshops (Saturday) to include:
The Language of Clay:
Discover the language of clay and its transformative ways in early childhood education. Participants will explore and work with clay, inviting creativity, imagination, and techniques. By engaging with clay, educators will learn how this ancient material can deepen connections to nature and encourage a respectful relationship with the Earth.
Rethinking Risky Play in Early Childhood:
Challenge perceptions of risk in play and embrace its vital role in children’s learning. Explore practical strategies for creating safe yet adventurous play environments, where children can explore boundaries, take calculated risks, and develop a deeper understanding of their capabilities.
Nature ID:
Through hands-on exploration and guided nature walks, educators will discover how connecting with the land can enhance children’s understanding of ecosystems, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
Exploring Wonder: Guiding our Natural Curiosities
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Wonder Projects with Nature in this engaging workshop designed for educators.
Land Acknowledgement:
This session will invite participants to consider their relationships to others, land, and their intentions. With this learning, how do we navigate and weave it into our everyday work alongside children and others? Land Acknowledgments are a meaningful way to recognize and honor the Indigenous peoples who have historically cared for and stewarded the land on which we live, work, and play.